Experts caution against using air fryers instead of ovens

When You Should Choose the Oven Instead

Experts recommend sticking with the oven for:

• Baking cakes, cookies, pies, or bread
• Large family meals
• Roasting whole vegetables (squash, cauliflower, etc.)
• Slow cooks and braises
• Anything requiring precise temperature stability

If a recipe calls for long, steady heat or plenty of space, your oven is the better tool.

The Bottom Line

Air fryers are fantastic kitchen helpers—but they’re not a complete stand-in for the oven. Each appliance has its strengths. Understanding when to use each one leads to better textures, better flavor, and better overall results in your cooking.

In other words:
Use your air fryer often. Use your oven wisely. And let each do what it does best.